In a notable IPL 2024 pre-auction move, Rajasthan Royals acquire fast bowler Avesh Khan from Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal, marking a significant shift for both players.
In a strategic turn of events leading up to IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals have traded for fast bowler Avesh Khan from Lucknow Super Giants, who in return will acquire top-order batsman Devdutt Padikkal. This direct swap, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, has been agreed upon by the franchises and the players, with the BCCI set to officially endorse the trade this week.
Avesh Khan, part of the India squad for the T20I series against Australia, was initially bought by Super Giants in the 2022 mega auction for INR 10 crore (approximately US$ 1.2 million). Padikkal, on the other hand, was secured by Royals for INR 7.75 crore (around US$ 945,000). Both players, despite their promising starts in the IPL, experienced a dip in form during the 2023 season.
Padikkal’s performance was particularly underwhelming, as he struggled to make a significant impact in the top-order role assigned by Royals. Over two seasons (2022 and 2023), he played 28 matches, scoring 637 runs at an average of 23.59 and a strike rate of 125.88. His overall IPL record includes 2768 runs from 92 games at an average of 33.34.
For Avesh Khan, Rajasthan Royals will be his third IPL franchise, following his stints with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. His 2021 season with Capitals was impressive, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. However, his performance on the slower pitches in Lucknow during 2023 was less effective, leading to a need for change.
The 27-year-old Avesh will aim to regain his form with Royals, joining their strong Indian fast-bowling contingent. Kumar Sangakkara, Royals’ director of cricket, expressed confidence in Avesh’s abilities, highlighting his versatility and potential contributions to the team.
This trade follows the earlier move of Super Giants trading Romario Shepherd to Mumbai Indians and precedes the IPL 2024 player auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai. The franchises have a deadline of November 26 to announce their retention lists, making this period critical for strategic team planning and player acquisitions.
#IPL2024 #AveshKhan #DevduttPadikkal #RajasthanRoyals #LucknowSuperGiants #CricketTrade #IndianPremierLeague #SportsNews #PlayerSwap
English 
Hindi